India has a lot to recommend it: the beautiful landscapes, the thriving cities, the rich nature…and who could forget the food? These 29 mind-blowing photos of India capture all different sides of this vibrant country – it’s enough to leave you with a serious case of wanderlust. We challenge you to scroll through all 29 without being inspired to book your next trip.
Nowhere does luxury quite like India. Whether you’re staying in a palace (and almost literally rubbing shoulders with royalty) or are booked in for a glamping stay, a pampering hotel is the best way to kick off your trip.
1. You could be lounging by the beautiful pool at Devi Garh.
© Devi Garh
2. Or at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Rajasthan. Yes, this really is a hotel.
© Oberoi Hotels
3. You can always find yourself a retreat in the middle of the city at the Taj Mahal Mumbai.
© Taj Hotels
4. How about a brush with royalty at a real palace hotel?
© Taj Hotels
5. Or a luxury glamping getaway far from the bustling city?
© Aman-i-Khás
India – a beach destination? Definitely. From popular stretches along Goa and Kerala to islands in the middle of the turquoise-hued Bay of Bengal, there are glorious stretches of sun and surf to behold.
6. No wonder Goa’s beaches are famous for being some of India’s best.
© Leroy Julien/iStock/Thinkstock
7. After soaking up the sun, imagine heading to a cosy cottage before dinner…
© MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski/iStock/Thinkstock
8. Sunset in Kerala. Oh yes.
© ggenova/iStock/Thinkstock
9. Yes, the waters of the Bay of Bengal really are this color – though perhaps you need to see them yourself to be sure.
© Zoonar/P.Malyshev/Zoonar/Thinkstock
10. A group of islands off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is all white sand and aquamarine water.
© Aleksandar Todorovic/iStock/Thinkstock
Get your camera (or your Instagram) at the ready – these stunning buildings show off India’s amazing and diverse architecture.
11. It’s hard to be sure which time of day flatters the Golden Temple in Amritsar the most…
© mariusz_prusaczyk/iStock/Thinkstock
12. A palace on water. Perfection.
© f9photos/iStock/Thinkstock
13. The incredible Hawa Mahal ranks among the most beautiful sights in Rajasthan.
© Byelikova_Oksana/iStock/Thinkstock
14. And who could forget the “teardrop on the face of eternity,” the Taj Mahal herself?
© Byelikova_Oksana/iStock/Thinkstock
15. The Lotus Temple in New Delhi is more modern than many of India’s famous buildings – but no less striking.
© somchaisom/iStock/Thinkstock
It’s almost impossible to summarise India’s culture, given its millennia of history and extraordinary diversity. Suffice it to say that the country is always captivating, for first-time travelers and repeat visitors alike.
16. The famous Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the most surprising events in the country.
© f9photos/iStock/Thinkstock
17. Leading to the sacred Ganges, the Varanasi Ghats host daily rituals as well as religious celebrations.
© Dirk Ott/iStock/Thinkstock
18. That’s one good-looking elephant.
© RChoi/iStock/Thinkstock
19. For many, delicious Indian food is one of the biggest reasons to visit.
© Maris Kiselov/iStock/Thinkstock
20. Lucky visitors can witness traditional dance performances.
© JeremyRichards/iStock/Thinkstock
India isn’t India without its tigers. Or its monkeys. Or its jungles, or mountains, or deserts. If you’re looking for a wild getaway, the subcontinent has plenty in store.
21. Kerala’s backwaters were made for lazy trips along the water.
© byheaven/iStock/Thinkstock
22. Tea is important here – and the country’s beautiful tea plantations are worth visiting, too.
© javarman3/iStock/Thinkstock
23. The Sahara? No: it’s the golden Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
© CRSHELARE/iStock/Thinkstock
24. The world’s third tallest peak, Kanchenjunga, is located on the Indian-Nepalese border.
© devj/iStock/Thinkstock
25. India has many beautiful wild tigers – why not go on a safari trip to spot them?
© julianwphoto/iStock/Thinkstock
26. And tigers aren’t the only big cats to call the subcontinent home.
© Kyslynskyy/iStock/Thinkstock
27. Brilliant spots of color: see how many wild parrots you can find on your next trip.
© Solovyova/iStock/Thinkstock
28. Turns out lions aren’t just in Africa: discover the elusive and majestic Asiatic lion.
© jay45/iStock/Thinkstock
29. Heading to India? Get used to seeing monkeys almost everywhere – like this funny little fellow at Hampi.
© Skouatroulio/iStock/Thinkstock
